Banana Splits

The kids were so excited! We went to the store for all the things we would need to make banana splits, ice cream, chocolate syrup, cherries, nuts, and whip cream. They were practically beside themselves. It was so much fun letting them just be kids. Not saying it wasn't messy- but it sure was worth it! I know I sound like a broken record- but I love being a mom. Its times like this I will cherish and look back on with joy.

Watch out! You might get Pinched!

Are you wearing any green today?? I made the mistake of telling my son that if you don't wear green on St. pattys day you might get pinched. Well for the past 4 days he's thought it was St. Pattys day...and I haven't been wearing any green lately:) My kids defintly keep me entertained. I love their sense of humor. Kyle and I took them a few days ago to the St. Patricks Day parade in Old Town, Sacramento. They enjoyed watching all the colorful floats and all the people dressed up playing bag-pipes and playing music. They really enjoyed getting candy from the candy shop:)

Oh, how they grow!

I love to capture my kids at different stages in their lives, I want to be able to look back and remember every little detail about how they grew up. How long her hair was when she was a certain age or how tall they were compared to one another. Most of all I want pictures to show them when they are adults. I wouldn't be surprised if I had over 50,000 pics of them so far. Some may say that is ridiculous I say its just me being a mom! In today's era with digital files, I am so thankful I can take 100s of pics of them a day if I want. Thank goodness for external hard drives!!

Vegas!!

The saying "what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas," holds very true. I think in great part due to the fact that you literally can't remember what you did. At least that was the case for me. From the moment we boarded the plane, until the night we arrived back home- things were in a whirlwind. I don't think I have ever drank so many mixed drinks in my life. But, I was in Vegas, with my boyfriend, the first "adult" trip I had ever been since I had my children, without being with family and just feeling free! So, I lived it up- excepted drinks from the waitresses at 8 in the morning, barely slept, gambled and just hung out with Kyle. We had such a great time- I felt like the trip brought us closer together because we had an experience we shared together-away from our normal lives-away from it all just being us. At the end of the trip we were spent. Tired, hung over and just plain out of it but I am so glad I left my ambitions and normal way of thinking behind-just for those few days I let go and let myself just enjoy life, and that in itself made the trip so memorable. I can look back and remember the fun I had and had no regrets about what I wish I would've done.

Little Doll and Hugs

How did they do it?? How did they manage to choose each other over everything? In my eyes, at this point in my life, time seems to make love fade...but in some cases its the exact opposite. Sure, there are good and bad days but there are never any days spent alone. Because they always have each other. They always choose each other...
All the years that have passed, all the memories they share. Their dedication is timeless-just like their love. And as they vowed 67 years ago...in sickness and in health he is right by her side, like always wanting to take care of his "little doll."

Just the 3 of us....

Having a family is something I always expected to happen...being a mom is something I never really thought much about til I was 18. I was convinced I was going to adopt a child...because lets face it labor and strech marks didn't seem to be something I wanted to trade my belly ring and my free afternoons for. But then something changed and I decided I wanted to have my own family and my own kids. Fast Forward 7 years and I am 25 year old divorced mom of 2...not where I thought my life would go...and when I think about it...wow...that title...divorced mom of 2...kinda hit home...to my harsh reality. I failed at making a family for my kids. Not that kids can't go on...I know they will be fine but I thought I could make it different for them. I thought we could. But I can only move on and be happy with the decisions I've made. Which, I am happy...but I have my days of uncertainy like I can't do this alone...like I'm supposed to still be with him in an unhappy and unhealthy relationship. This is where were we should be. We weren't good for eachother. I know that. I don't want it back I just hate feeling like there is something missing. But really there isn't anything missing that wasn't missing before...the loyality and commitment we were supposed to share ceased to exist...and so does our relationship. I just hate feeling like I failed...but when all is said and done I will be a better person because of this, for myself and my kids. At the end of the day- its me and them no matter what. This has made me realize that my kids and I are really all each other has-no matter what, people can come and go and talk all they want about keeping up their end of the situation but being their mother and the commitment I have with them is forever; and nothing can change that.

Forever in our Hearts

Today would have been another celebration towards another year in her life...but all I have to rememebr her by are memories and pictures now. I don't go a day without missing her and wishing she was here to watch my children grow. She wanted so much to live-and dying was so scary to her; as it was for all of us. To watch someone you love for 2 years battle with cancer for their life, knowing how scared they are is not only hard-its heart breaking. There is nothing you can do but listen and love and laugh togheter the time you do have left. When she passed I rememeber feeling relieved for her, her pain was gone, but mine had only just begun. She would cry to me about wanting to see my children grow, wanting to watch my daughter run through fields of flowers, wanting to see them live life- thats all she wanted and she had to leave us- but I know in my heart she is watching down-and grandma on this day I wish you a very happy birthday- you may not have been here to blow out your candles with us but I know you can see them and are protecting them and one day we will be together again.

Adorable Love

I had the pleasure of flying to Washington a few weeks ago to photograph Megan and Stephen's wedding. The 2 of them were so cute together and so giddy with love!! It was so nice to be apart of something that was so obviously right. I can tell that these 2 will make it...they love to love eachother and its adorable! Megan and Stephen your wedding was perfect! I hope you had the best day ever!

Whats to come...

Here is a sneak peak of last weeks wedding in Washington. Megan and Stephen, I hope you two had a great honeymoon! Your wedding was beautiful. More pics will be up soon!!!

Winter-wonderland

Sometimes its fun to just get away. The weather was perfect so Jas and I decided to take the kids on an adventure to the snow. I didn't know how Kiley would react this time. The last time we went to the snow she spent most of the trip throwing her gloves on the ground and screaming when her bare hands would hit the snow, but refusing the gloves. She defiantly has a mind of her own. I didn't want her to be miserable but luckily she was very happy this time. She was in a great mood:) The boys of course had a great time throwing snow balls and making snow angels. Jas and I had fun watching them play, they were having so much fun! The snow was so deep that we kept sinking down into it. I, of course, forgot my snow boots. So, there I was in 4 feet of snow with DC's on....I tried to put plastic bags over my shoes but that didn't do anything. My feet were frozen about 20 minutes into the trip. Thank goodness for my car heater:) I love that we have taken them to the snow the past few years, something we plan to do for years to come!!!:)